We cannot choose where we are born or how we grow up, but we can decide how to live our lives as adults. It is not about money but about choices: the actions we take and the decisions we make every day determine our lifestyle. Let’s start by understanding what a lifestyle is. It is crucial to differentiate between activities requiring conscious effort and those part of our daily routine. The former demands concentration, focus, and planning, while the latter are actions we perform with little or no planning.

The Importance of Effort and Routine

For example, a person without healthy habits who wants to lose weight might undergo an intense diet or walk a specific amount daily. These are conscious activities that require effort. However, if that person adopted a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular exercise, losing weight would be easier and require less effort, as these activities would be part of their daily routine.

Healthy eating is just one aspect of lifestyle. Other elements function in the same way: activities that require a lot of effort versus routine activities. Your daily routine defines your lifestyle and can be beneficial or harmful to your health. Evaluating and improving your routine is essential, as your habits shape your lifestyle.

Dr. Eric R. Braverman, MD, author of “Younger (Thinner) You Diet,” states that it is natural to feel dissatisfied with certain aspects of life, especially when focused on weight. However, when you are dissatisfied with every aspect of your life, it might be time to seek professional help.

Clinical psychologist and University of Nevada professor, Steven C. Hayes, PhD, believes that expressions of what matters to you deeply inform your daily pursuits, fundamentally shaping the trajectory of your life. These expressions reflect who you are and what you want in life, manifesting how you have decided to live.

Five Healthy Habits

Let me present you five habits that I consider to be very beneficial for our health:

1. Manage Time

Time is an invaluable resource. Steve Jobs said, “My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.” To enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial to control your time and balance your life. Everyone has 24 hours a day; the key is managing your activities within that time. Prioritizing what is important is essential to achieve your goals. If you cannot prioritize your partner, it will be difficult to enjoy an active and pleasurable sexual life.

• Maintain a Healthy Body

Nutrition, exercise, sleep, leisure time, orgasms, affection, and fun are fundamental to enjoying life and maintaining a strong immune system, which is essential these days. Keep these aspects in mind for a very healthy lifestyle.

• Maintain a Healthy Sexual Life

Evidence shows that a healthy sexual life is crucial for having happy and lasting relationships. Feeling good about yourself and your partner is the foundation for enjoying intimacy and sexuality as a couple. Make love a loving habit to integrate your sexual life into your daily routine, turning it into a pleasurable activity of union and connection.

• Connect with Your Emotions

Be assertive with your emotions, neither explosive nor submissive. Express your feelings appropriately and balanced, especially with your partner. Validating and expressing your emotions without reacting impulsively is vital for maintaining a long-term relationship. Learning to recognize and express your feelings, as well as self-regulate yourself are fundamental aspects of building emotional intimacy.

• Give Meaning to Life

Reflect on what you do in your daily life and why you do it. Your intentions and goals can arise from your studies, work, hobbies, caring for your family, or any activity that allows you to create something positive for the world. Understanding the “why” of your actions is crucial for having success, meaning in life, and a healthy lifestyle.

There are many healthy lifestyles, and the idea is to create your own by knowing your body and the type of life you want to have. What works for you will be the best for you. Create a lifestyle as healthy as possible that makes you happy!

Dr. Heinz

Drheinz4u@gmail.com